A Case Study of Fisheries Governance and Management in a Reservoir of Lao PDR: Perspectives for Improvement

Abstract

The is on the fishery as a whole, the combination of fish, fishers, and economic and policy context The need to integrate customer demand and marketing to sustainable fisheries management in in particular in the Mekong we consider here fish supply, fish demand/marketing and the environment policy as the three main pillars of a sustainable fishery, knowing that several other factors such as biological productivity, algae blooms, limnological aspects, land-uses in the catchment areas, fishing gears are also important [14]. Our study focuses only on a reservoir fishery, it does not include upstream or downstream fisheries. We set the stage by identifying the various components of a generic tropical reservoir fishery, and then document how much is known and has been done about each component in the case of Nam Theun 2. This highlights strengths and weaknesses in the knowledge base needed for the management of the system. Ultimately, the various degrees of control of managers over the fishery system and its components are identified. Abstract Starting from a framework defining a fishery as a combination of environmental, biological, social, economic and policy components, we review the development process and current status of the reservoir fishery of Nam Theun 2 Dam in Lao PDR. The aquatic environment was extensively studied and fishing monitored; the reservoir features a low productivity. Regulation remains weak and social studies focused mainly on socioeconomic aspects, without documenting aspirations or constraints of the fishing community nor detailing fish consumption. Fish prices were monitored, but non-official trades, demands and competitions remain to be assessed. Facilitation and restrictions are documented but the trade policy framework is not, nor the consequences of regulatory measures. We last identify the degrees of control of managers over the fishery system and its components. This analysis highlights the need to apprehend a controlled reservoir fishery as a combination of aquatic habitat, and their and environment.